IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw stated: “API claims the RFS is not working and should be repealed. In reality, just the opposite is true. The RFS is forcing open the door of the federal petroleum mandate to finally allow renewable fuels access to the market. The reason API is so concerned now is that E15 is poised to become widely available. Without the RFS, Big Oil can continue to hide behind its Century of Subsidies and the federal petroleum mandate to ignore lower cost ethanol blends like E15. 2013 will be a key year in deciding the future of fuel choice for Americans. Do we continue forward with more fueling options for consumers and more competition in the marketplace? Or do we turn back the clock to when Big Oil uses federal tax and fuel policy to maintain its monopoly at the expense of consumer choice, American jobs, and energy security? Clearly the API prefers its monopoly, but that is the wrong choice for America’s future.”

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 13 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 320 million gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 3.7 billion gallons annually and one new facility under construction.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.